Sonnie Blocki

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PERU — Sonnie (Ryba) Blocki, physical therapist, M.S.P.T., has obtained certification as a certified lymphedema therapist.

Certification involves an intensive 135-hour course on Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy, offered by Klose Training and Consulting of Boulder, Colo. The course consisted of extensive instruction in the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system, patient care, manual lymphatic drainage techniques for the head, neck, trunk and extremities. Blocki has also been certified as a garment fitter for Juzo and Jobst compression garments.

Lymphedema is progressive and therefore early intervention is critical. Lymphedema prevention can occur prior to or immediately following breast cancer surgery, whereas lymphedema therapy is beneficial to any individual who has abnormal swelling in one or both extremities arising from birth, following a pregnancy, cancer or for an unknown reason. Additionally, lymphedema therapy is highly beneficial to those individuals whose healing has slowed as a result of swelling following traumatic injury.

Blocki has been a physical therapist since 1993. Prior to this certification training as a lymphedema therapist, she received training for Complete Decongestive Therapy and has been successfully treating patients since 2006 with various swelling problems.